Tortorella Fired…Again

John Tortorella is out as Vancouver Canucks coach - after one season. The former UMaine Black Bear had a rocky season and when the team brought in new club president Trevor Linden it was clear Tortorella's future was in jeopardy, despite having four years and $8 million dollars left on his contract.

Tortorella led the Canucks to a 5th place finish in their division (36-35-11). He was also suspended by the league for 15 games after an altercation with Calgary and its coaching staff.

Just a year ago he was fired by the New York Rangers after they were ousted from the playoffs by the Bruins.

Tortorella also has coached Tampa Bay to a Stanley Cup championship(2004) and was named NHL coach of the year.

He played his college hockey for UMaine back in the early days of the Maine program in the 1970's.